Hello Friends!
What an incredible blessing to be in Ocean City at IGNITE 2025. Our IGNITE Team has been working hard behind the scenes for months now and we are so excited to be here with you!
We pray that this weekend provides you space to pray, worship, listen, learn, serve and cultivate lifelong memories with friends. We pray that you would hear and receive that you belong at IGNITE 2025!
This digital magazine will provide you with easy access to the schedule, breakout sessions, artist & speaker information and ads from our awesome vendors. Reference back here if you need a reminder of where to go or what’s next. If you have any questions, just find someone in a red or orange “&GO Squad” shirt and they can help answer your questions.
We are so excited to be here with you at IGNITE 2025.
-The IGNITE Team
FRIDAY, MARCH 7
5:00 PM >> DOORS OPEN
8:00 PM >> OPENING SESSION //
Hype: DJ El Vow
Welcome: Bishop LaTrelle Easterling
Worship: North Point Worship
Speaker: Michael Beck
Concert: Angie Rose
10:30 PM >> ADJOURN
SATURDAY, MARCH 8
9:00 AM >> YOUTH LEADERS MEETING //
10:00 AM >> AM SESSION //
Artist Spotlight: JaQuanne LeRoy
Worship: North Point Worship
Speaker: Michael Wang
Offering: Camp and Retreat Ministries
12:00 PM >> LUNCH | On your Own
2:00 PM >> BREAKOUT 1
Mental Health in PAC
Organized Group Games and Youth Leader Workshop in Exhibit Hall C
Angie Rose Meet and Greet in Prayer Room/PAC Lobby
3:30 PM >> BREAKOUT 2
Let’s Talk: Q&A with Bishop Easterling in PAC
Organized Group Games and Open Mic in Exhibit Hall C
5:00 PM >> DINNER | On your Own
7:00 PM >> PM SESSION //
Hype: El Vow
Worship: North Point Worship
Speaker: YaNi Davis
Altar Call/Prayer Time/Response
Small groups
10:30 PM >> ADJOURN
SUNDAY, MARCH 9
10:00 AM >> AM SESSION + COMMUNION //
Worship: North Point Worship
Speaker: Bishop LaTrelle Easterling
Communion
Highlight Video and 2026 Theme Release
Sending Forth
12:00 PM >> ADJOURN
VENUE INFO
Roland E. Powell Convention Center
4001 Coastal Highway
Ocean City, MD
LOCATION GUIDE
Exhibit Hall A-B: Main stage
Exhibit Hall C: Lounges, Vendors, Games, Breakouts
PAC/Performing Arts Center: Breakouts, Prayer Room
Michael Beck // Speaker
Michael Beck is a pastor, professor, and author. Beck is a rare breed of both practitioner and scholar, actively engaged in frontline ministry while also researching and teaching at multiple academic institutions.
Michael and wife Jill have led a series of revitalizations and unconventional church plants with "the ones no one else wants or sees." They are currently co-pastors of Compassion and St Marks UMCs, where they oversee a holistic recovery housing program called Open Arms Village, and lead a network of fresh expressions gathering in tattoo parlors, dog parks, burrito joints, EV charging stations, digital spaces, and a substance abuse rehab. Michael serves as the Director of Fresh Expressions Florida, Director of the Fresh Expressions House of Studies at Perkins SMU, and Director of Fresh Expressions UM.
He is currently a graduate instructor of sociology at the University of Florida and teaches as an adjunct professor at several seminaries including Emory, United, and Duke. Beck is the author of 18 books and widely considered the primary practitioner and thought leader of the Fresh Expressions movement in the United States. Follow on Substack.
Mike Whang // Speaker
Rev. Mike Whang is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and the lead pastor of Oikon United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. Born in Seoul, South Korea, he immigrated to the United States at the age of four when his father pursued theological studies at Duke Divinity School. The family settled in Durham, North Carolina, and later moved to California.
He completed his own Master of Divinity at Duke Divinity School in 2015 and was recruited by the Texas Conference to serve as an associate pastor in Sugar Land, Texas. He subsequently joined Chapelwood United Methodist Church as a church planter in residence.
In October 2019, he founded Oikon United Methodist Church, which focuses on small groups and fosters a strong sense of community. He is an innovative and transformative speaker, who encourages youth to take God’s Word seriously and imaginatively.
Connect with Pastor Mike and Oikon on Instagram @mikewhang and @oikonhtx.
YaNi Davis // Speaker
YaNi Davis is a graduate of Spelman College with a B.A. in English, Claremont School of Theology with a M.Div, and will graduate from Maryland Institute with a M.PS (Business of Art and Design) degree in May 2024. YaNi uses her words wisely as a Hip Hop artist, an inspiring speaker, an effective educator, a profound poet, a modern day prophet and multidisciplinary Creative. YaNi has been all around the world sharing her gifts from South Korea to Hyderabad India, around Europe and the US. YaNi is the founder of, My SupaNatural Life, an organization that provides education and wholistic care for people living with disabilities and their caregivers.
YaNi has founded several spiritual communities/churches around the country, is the author of, Love Poems for Peace, is a kidney transplant survivor and is preparing to release their new book and album in the Summer of 2024. To connect with Pastor YaNi, head to www.YaNiMeansPeace.com
Bishop LaTrelle Easterling // Speaker
Bishop LaTrelle Easterling is the episcopal leader of the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware area, making history as the first woman to lead the Baltimore-Washington Conference in 2016. Before her election as bishop, she served as superintendent of the Boston Metro District in the New England Conference and was Dean of the Cabinet.
A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Bishop Easterling holds a Bachelor’s degree, a Doctor of Jurisprudence, and a Master of Divinity from Boston University School of Theology, where she graduated summa cum laude. She is known for her commitment to justice, servant leadership, and transformative ministry.
In addition to her pastoral work, Bishop Easterling serves on multiple boards and committees, including chairing The Council of Bishop’s Anti-racism Leadership Team. She is also the founder of the Seeds of Security ministry, supporting those escaping abusive relationships. Bishop Easterling is married to Rev. Marion Easterling Jr., and they have two grown sons.
North Point Worship // Artist
North Point Worship is a collective of worship leaders, song-writers, and creatives from North Point Ministries in Atlanta, GA. Their vision and heart's desire is to equip the local church with songs that exalt the name of Jesus, inspire people to follow Jesus, and ultimately join the story of God’s goodness being told from generation to generation.
Angie Rose // Artist
Angie Rose is a dynamic powerhouse multi genre artist from the Bronx. Her message of inspiration is consistent although the sounds are diverse. Hailing from Puerto Rican roots, this Latina inspires her fans to be unstoppable through a combination of raw energy and undaunted lyrics.
Her music promotes diversity and overcoming all obstacles, pulling from traumatic experiences with loss, drugs, alcohol abuse and more, she inspires us all to find healing in Jesus and never give up on purpose.
BREAKOUT 1 // Let’s Talk About It: Mental Health, Suicide, and the Power of Faith, Hope & Connection [PAC]
In this session, speaker, Lauren N. Jenkins, Licensed Trauma Therapist, Mental Health Advocate and Suicide Survivor, will talk about the impact of Mental Health and Suicide, the common signs and symptoms, as well as discuss strategies to increase resiliency in those impacted. This will provide youth, youth leaders, and loved ones with tools and resources to support someone who may be struggling. This session will also talk about the power of hope and connection and walk through information as well as biblical stories to help youth and young adults feel seen, find hope and connection, while navigating their mental health and healing journeys.
// Organized Group Games [Exhibit Hall C]
// Angie Rose Meet and Greet [Prayer Room]
BREAKOUT 2 // Let’s Talk About It: Q&A With Bishop Easterling [PAC]
Youth will have a chance to converse with Bishop LaTrelle Easterling. Bring your questions!
// Organized Group Games [Exhibit Hall C]
// Open Mic [Exhibit Hall C]
Step up to the mic and share your talent! Whether it's music, poetry, comedy, or a story on your heart, this is your chance to shine in a fun and supportive space. Come to perform or just to cheer on friends—everyone’s welcome
A Note to Youth Leaders:
To show you how appreciated you are, we’ve created a space just for you! Throughout the weekend, check out the Youth Leader Lounge (Dockside). There you will find refreshments, other youth leaders to network with and a space to take a breath! Youth Leader specific breakout sessions will also be located here. Enjoy your weekend and remember that you are serving in a valuable, Christ-like ministry to young people!
Youth Leaders Are Incredibly Important
Without youth leaders, there would be no program, no space, no place for teenagers to come and hear the Gospel in a way that speaks to their life stage.
Small Groups Provide A Support System Like No Other
Without small groups, students would not have a safe space or safe people to share their journeys through adolescence.
Presence, Patience and Approachability Go a Long Way
Without a Christ-like model, our teenagers would not have a living example of how to navigate life in community.
Start with prayer and then read the scripture together: Matthew 28:16-20
Some Discussion Questions you can use throughout IGNITE:
What has been your favorite part of IGNITE so far? Why?
What does it mean to "make disciples"?
How does this Great Commission relate to our own faith journey?
How can we support and encourage one another in fulfilling the Great Commission?
How can our church be more intentional about fulfilling the Great Commission?
What did you experience on Saturday night during prayer time?
How can we pray for you and one another?
What is something you are taking away from this weekend?
Let’s talk about action steps that we can work toward at home - Finish the sentence: “Because of IGNITE, I will…”
Remember: These questions are just a starting point. Feel free to adapt them to fit the needs and interests of your small group. The most important thing is to create a space for meaningful conversation and exploration of the Great Commission.
The IGNITE 2025 Small Group Guide! This resource is designed to help youth grow in faith, reflect on their journey, and engage in meaningful conversations.
Here’s How to Use It:
Before Each Session – Take a few minutes to review the week’s theme and Scripture passage.
Engage with Reflection & Challenges – Use the prompts to guide discussion and encourage personal growth.
Try the Mindful Prayer Practices – These exercises help students connect with God in a personal way.
Encourage Sharing – Students can post reflections using the suggested hashtags to keep the conversation going. Be Flexible! – Adapt the content to fit your group’s needs and pace.
This guide is meant to spark real conversations and help youth live out their faith beyond IGNITE. Dive in, be open, and see how God moves!